|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||
 Download
PDF (27K)  Printer
Friendly |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD
MINUTES: SPECIAL MEETING No. 5
IQALUIT, 14-17 JANUARY 1997 Agenda Communications Strategy: Selection of Contractor Basic Needs Levels, Beluga, Narwhal and Walrus 6.Review of Co-management Boards Meeting: Yellowknife
Prioritizing/Rating Research Projects
Ben Kovic convened the Special Meeting at 13:45 P.M. He welcomed the members to Iqaluit.
The agenda was accepted with noted amendments: -Item 7B be moved to the first item on the agenda. -Item 5 be deferred until Dan Pike is available. (Motion 97- 129)
Meeka Mike declared conflict of interest re Agenda Item 4. Malachi Arreak declared possible conflict of interest re Agenda Item 4.
Jim Noble requested clarification of Motion 97-027 which addresses turbot allocations. Jim was of the opinion that the NWMB wished to relinquish allocation authority. Dan Pike was of the opinion that the NWMB wished to retain this authority for now. Kevin McCormick agreed with Dan but noted that the NWMB urgently needs to develop criteria for the allocation process, and to communicate these criteria to interested participants. Jim Noble noted that he had mistakenly indicated to QWB that they would have the responsibility for the 1997 allocations. Jim indicated that he would advise QWB of the error. Ben Kovic suggested that turbot are for all Nunavut, not just Baffin region. Gordon Koshinsky noted that if this was a common view, a framework could be developed for sharing the benefits more broadly. Malachi Arreak suggested that the principle of adjacency should apply within Nunavut as well as to Nunavut. Kevin McCormick suggested that this might be an issue for NTI to consider. It was agreed that Jim Noble and Dan Pike will develop criteria for allocation and communicate these criteria as appropriate.
4. Communications Strategy: Selection of Contractor
Jim Noble advised that eleven proposals had been received on the Call for Proposal to develop a Communications Strategy. He and Dan Pike did an initial evaluation and, using the approved evaluation format, prepared a short-list of four proposals for review and decision by the Board. After reviewing these four proposals, the Board selected R.T. and Associates. Gordon Koshinsky noted that he found the Terriplan Consultant’s proposal to be stronger technically, but agreed to accept R.T. and Associates by weight of consensus. A motion was passed to accept the R.T. and Associates proposal. Staff were instructed to strive to ensure that most of work (and payment) be completed in the current fiscal year. (Motion 97-130)
5. Basic Needs Levels, Beluga, Narwhal and Walrus
Dan Pike reviewed his briefing paper. He noted that two extensions have already been made to the deadline for implementing the BNL. Dan offered three options for proceeding in the present circumstances. The Board approved the third option, which is based on the current quotas for defining the BNL. In cases where the quota is not a real limitation on harvesting, i.e., the quota has never been reached or equaled, the BNL will be set using the formula in Article 5.6.21 (a) of the NFA. (Motion 97- 131)
6. Review of Co-management Boards Meeting: Yellowknife
Ben Kovic and Jim Noble reported that they attended a meeting of the Co-management Boards in Yellowknife on December 12. Jim noted that a copy of the minutes had been provided. NIRB had suggested that the Boards meet again in February to discuss common concerns. Kevin McCormick asked if there was an agenda for such a meeting; if not, it might be premature to consider arrangements. Ben and Jim agreed to research this matter further and to discuss the matter of agenda with the other Boards.
7. Executive Director’s Updates
Jim Noble tabled the latest draft (Blue Copy) of the three-year report and requested final comments from the Board members. Members agreed to review the draft and make editorial comments individually. Jim will advise the contractor of any final changes and then instruct them proceed with printing.
7.B Bowhead TAH for 1997-1998: DFO Response
Ben Kovic noted that on December 12 the US Secretary of Commerce had certified to the US President (under the Pelly Amendment to the US Fishermen’s Protective Act) that Canada, by virtue of allowing two bowhead whales to be harvested in 1996, had acted to “diminish the effectiveness of an international fishery conservation program” (i.e. the International Whaling Commission). Under the US legislation cited, the President has 60 days (until February 9) to report to Congress on what, if any, trade sanctions he will take. Gordon Koshinsky suggested that in the circumstances it might be useful for the Board to grant a short extension to the deadline (currently February 03) for the DFO Minister to respond to the NWMB decision to establish a Total Allowable Harvest of one bowhead whale from the Baffin Bay stock for 1997 or 1998. Ben advised that a Conference Call was arranged with Brian Wong and Dick Hagen of DFO to permit NWMB Members to discuss the matter with them. In the course of the Conference Call, the DFO officials confirmed the status of the US response. They, however, saw no advantage in delaying the response by the DFO Minister. They advised that while the US President could indeed impose trade sanctions, this had in fact been done only once in the course of 30 previous certifications. In the present case, the US would like Canada to join the IWC and renounce further Eastern Arctic bowhead hunts, based on conservation concerns. Dick Hagen advised that Canada will respond diplomatically to the US attention, to the effect that:
1. Canadian Aboriginals have constitutional rights in this matter. 2. These minimal bowhead hunts pose no conservation concerns. 3. IWC membership would carry no benefits in this case. 4. Northern Canadians are not pro-IWC; and Canada is committed to consulting them in the matter of such international memberships.
Brian Wong advised that the NWMB decision to establish a bowhead TAH for 1997-1998 has not yet been conveyed to the USA. Dick Hagen indicated that the aim is to try to keep the matter low-profile. The preference is to get it off the Canada-USA agenda entirely. The USA has offered to support Canada in applying for a bowhead quota (via IWC) in the Western Arctic. For the Eastern Arctic, the IWC would expect Canada to conduct very extensive research on bowhead (similar to what was done in respect to Western Arctic bowhead) before they would even consider an Eastern Arctic bowhead quota. It was agreed that the NWMB would not extend the deadline for response by the DFO Minister regarding the bowhead TAH for 1997-1998.
7.C NWMB Minute-Taking Process
Jim Noble advised that a consultant had been contracted to develop the minutes for the Pelly Bay meeting (November 1996). Jim noted that this method of producing minutes had not worked as well as was hoped. The consultant had spent considerable time preparing the minutes, but they will have to be re-written. Gordon Koshinsky offered to do minutes for the forthcoming Pangnirtung meeting. Jim noted that minutes will be put on the NWMB WEB page for very wide distribution via the Internet, with topics to be accessible by key words. It will thus be necessary for the minutes to convey appropriate and high-quality information.
7.D Harvest Study Coordinator Replacement
Jim Noble advised that the Harvest Study Coordinator position has been advertised, with a closing date of 17 December. Jim also advised that he, Ben, and Dan will do the screening and interviewing.
Jim Noble reminded the Board that staff were directed to purchase lap-top computers for Board Members as they requested. Jim advised that two bids had been received, one of which was well below the others for a very high-quality lap-top. Jim had a demonstration unit available for Members to examine. Jim asked for confirmation of the number of units required along with approval for purchase of three new desk-top computers to replace and up-grade current equipment. The Board approved purchase of nine lap-top and three desk-top computers for an approximate total of $69,000. (Motion 97-132)
7.F Office Expansion/Renovations
Jim Noble advised that NTI is moving into a new section of the current building. This will open up 20’ x 20’ of space on the second floor and present the opportunity for all NWMB staff to be consolidated there. Jim requested approval to lease this space. He estimated the cost at approximately $15,000. The Board approved the costs associated with this expansion/renovation/relocation. (Motion 97-133)
Jim Noble advised of several developments with the KHTA. The Executive Director has been suspended until an investigation of the Association’s accounts can be completed. The Chairperson has been requested to tender his resignation. A Conference Call was recently held with KHTA, KIA, DRWED and the NWMB to discuss the financial status of KHTA. The GNWT released 60% of the current-year contribution to the NWMB in trust for KHTA. Jim advised that KIA offered the services of one of their employees to assist with re-construction of the KHTA accounting system.
7.H Assignment of Harvesting Rights
Helen Klengenberg advised that a process for declaring Assignments is well underway and that forms are being drafted by NTI. Helen suggested that Michael d’Eça review this material from the NWMB perspective. Meeka Mike noted that the original impetus and intent for a process to declare and administer Assignments pertained to elders and handicapped individuals rather than primarily to women. Jim Noble advised that QWB had requested the assistance of the NWMB’s legal advisor to work with the NTI and QIA legal advisors to resolve the matter of developing the necessary process.
Kevin McCormick noted that the consultants had produced another draft. Any protected areas need to be approved by the NWMB. Kevin questioned the process: does the NWMB approve first, after which governments give their approval? Kevin suggested that much in the draft seems to conflict with NWMB. Dan Pike had submitted an earlier response; however it seems that his comments were not seriously incorporated. The Board decided to revisit the correspondence on this plan and perhaps flag the NWMB concerns at a later date.
8. Prioritizing/Rating Research Projects
Ben Kovic suggested that the point system currently used for evaluating research proposals may be too rigid. Gordon Koshinsky suggested it may be appropriate for the Board to adopt more flexibility in respect to funds being made available. Kevin McCormick noted that Pierre Chartrand was asked to develop a 10-year operating budget projection, to enable the Board to evaluate the continuing availability of operating funds to support agency research. Kevin stated the assumption that funding for multi-year projects is automatically ongoing, assuming that performance is satisfactory and appropriate.
Ben Kovic asked if the Board would consider appointing a Vice-Chairperson. This person could cover for the Chairperson in the event that he was not able to attend a meeting. Malachi Arreak noted that this topic was previously discussed but the Board never made a decision. Kevin McCormick advised that the Operating Procedures leave this open for Board interpretation. There can be a standing appointment of a Vice-Chairperson, or the Board can choose a Member for a specific purpose, meeting, etc. The Board decided to continue with the second option, appointing a substitute Chairperson as/when necessary.
Jim Noble noted that the job offers for some of the current NWMB positions call for the incumbents to eventually train staff to take over their positions. Jim questioned the feasibility of this requirement, as staff are currently under heavy workloads. Kevin McCormick suggested that if staff are fully occupied, they will not have time to conduct training. Ben Kovic noted a particular concern about Dan Pike’s position as he is on secondment. Dan stated that he will declare his intentions at the February meeting. Gordon Koshinsky suggested that it would be completely impractical to attempt to train someone “on-the-job” for the Director of Wildlife position. He suggested that this is the Board’s most critical operational position and requires an individual with a strong history of relevant professional development and experience.
11.A Pangnirtung HTA Request For Turbot Quota
Jim Noble advised that the Pangnirtung HTA had requested a quota of 500 MT of turbot for the winter inshore fishery, from the 1,000 MT available. Pangnirtung HTA are the historic winter users of a turbot quota. Jim advised that ice conditions are not favourable again this winter, with a very late freeze-up. He considered it likely the HTA will not take the full winter quota of 500 MT and will want to transfer the residual amount to their offshore operation next summer. Gordon Koshinsky recommended that any residual revert to the NWMB for summer allocation. The Board approved the request from Pangnirtung HTA for 500 MT of winter turbot with noted conditions. (Motion 97-134)
11.B Aiviit HTA ( Coral Harbour ) Report on Caribou Land Survey
Dan Pike noted that the Board earlier (Motion 97-127) approved $10,000 to assist the Coral Harbour HTA with a caribou land survey. This approval was subject to:
1. The HTA seeking expert advice on design of the survey, and 2. DRWED being invited at their own expense to participate, and 3. Consultations commencing on design of further aerial surveys.
Dan noted that Coral Harbour HTA explicitly refused to seek expert advice in design of their survey. There was no confirmation yet that their survey, without such advice, had resulted in a useable population estimate. Renewable Resource Officers had been unavailable to participate. Dan advised that NWMB funding had been withheld as the HTA had not conformed to the NWMB conditions. The Board asked Dan to obtain more information on infrastructure plans/proposals, which appear to be a driving factor in the HTA’s concern about sustainable harvest levels of caribou to support such infrastructure.
One upcoming meeting was noted, pertaining to DFO Management Renewal, (Rankin Inlet, February 11-12). Gordon Koshinsky agreed to attend.
Minutes Approved By:________________ Chairperson
Date:_____________
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||
|
|
|
|
| GUESTBOOK SITE MAP CAREERS COPYRIGHT MEMBERS |
